Academics News

Search Opened for 25 Biomedical Science Faculty

by
John Armitage | Nov 27, 2012

Search for Ph.D.s in anatomy, biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, physiology, pharmacology, and pathology is underway; up to 25 positions to be added by 2013.

Driven by progress toward the accreditation of Indiana’s new College of Osteopathic Medicine, Marian University announced that it has opened the search for biomedical science faculty in the disciplines of anatomy, biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, physiology, pharmacology and pathology.Up to three faculty positions in each discipline are expected to be hired between now and the opening of the medical school in August of 2013.
In addition, the university is searching for four candidates in the sciences to support undergraduate enrollment growth in theSchool of Mathematics and Sciences. The four tenure-track positions, one each in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and science education, will be filled by candidates with Ph.D.s in subjects like genetics, immunology, microbiology, and physics. The new faculty members will be instrumental in expanding the university’s undergraduate research initiatives, developing innnovative curriculum components, and supporting a hands-on teaching and learning environment.
“This influx of doctorate and post-doctorate researchers in critical biomedical disciplines has been created because of Marian University’s new medical school, and they will contribute greatly to scientific inquiry, innovation, and human capital in Indianapolis,” said university president Daniel J. Elsener. Economic data from economic development experts point to further growth in this sector and an increased need for cultivating a skilled workforce.
A2011 report published by BioCrossroads noted that Indiana is emerging as a national ‘destination community’ when it comes to the life sciences and healthcare. Indiana’s life sciences industry delivers a $44 billion economic impact to the state, which is home to 825 companies and more than 50,000 life sciences workers. Following this report, the Wall Street Journal identified Indiana as the hub for the life sciences industry, which includes healthcare and biomedical companies. The addition of key faculty members at Marian University will be a direct contribution to the growth of this industry in Indianapolis.
“By building a new medical school in Indiana, Marian University is playing a significant role in educating, retaining, and attracting a skilled life sciences workforce,” said Scott W. Miller, president of the Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce. “This is one of the significant challenges addressed in the BioCrossroads report and Marian University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine is helping Indianapolis meet that challenge head-on,” he continued.
The new faculty members will teach an innovative curriculum designed to closely integrate biomedical science and medicine. “The objective is to educate osteopathic physicians who will practice in Indiana, collaborate with other talented researchers here, and further improve the quality of life for Hoosier residents,” said Dr. Paul Evans, DO, founding dean of the Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine (MU-COM). The mission of the MU-COM is a compelling one; healthcare and biomedical companies like St.Vincent Health, Community Health Network, Eli Lilly and Company Foundation, and Hill-Rom have already partnered with the university to build the new medical school.
The MU-COM is an important project that directly address the shortage of physicians in our state—an issue that has both social and economic ramifications. Indiana will be short 5,000 physicians and need 2,000 more primary care physicians by 2020. The medical school will be located in the Michael A. Evans Center for Health Sciences, a $47 million construction project that will also house the School of Nursing. Both medical and nursing students will train together in the building and share classroom and laboratory space. The building is part of a larger health and life sciences initiative on campus with financial needs totaling $160 million. For more information, visit theweb site.